NBC Sports Group, MLS Announce MLS 36

Major League Soccer (MLS) and NBC Sports Group announced a new, day-in-the-life series, MLS 36. The first episode, featuring MLS scoring-leader Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes as he prepares for the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game in Philadelphia, will premiere Sunday, August 5, at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. MLS 36 will follow the three previous successful 36 series Fight Night 36, IndyCar 36 and NHL 36, which currently air on NBC Sports Network.

Capturing an in-depth and exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the life of this MLS superstar, MLS 36 takes viewers into Wondolowski’s world for 36 straight hours as he and his fellow MLS All-Stars prepare to take on current European champions, Chelsea FC, in the AT&T MLS All-Star Game at PPL Park in Chester, PA. The 30-minute episode will grant unparalleled access and give unique insight into Wondolowski’s life as a professional soccer player, and his goal that opened the scoring in the All-Stars’ 3-2 victory last week.

“We are thrilled to partner with NBC Sports Group for a series that will provide compelling insight into the personalities and lifestyles of our top players,” said Howard Handler, MLS chief marketing officer. “In each chapter, MLS 36 will chronicle a day and a half of activity at home, on the field and everywhere in between.”

In the editorial foreground of this television venture is the Emmy award-winning 441 Productions, a company which has produced such shows as Road Trip, a two-part series that shadowed the 2003 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team in its quest to reclaim the World Cup.

On Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network will air the second episode of MLS 36, which will depict Seattle Sounders FC striker and Colombian star Fredy Montero in the 36 hours ahead of Sounders FC’s Herbalife World Football Challenge face-off against Chelsea FC on July 18. Montero scored two goals in the match against Chelsea.

Prior to the premiere of MLS 36 on August 5, NBC Sports Network will air an MLS Western Conference showdown between the Portland Timbers and FC Dallas at 7 p.m. ET. Preceding MLS 36: Fredy Montero on August 10, the network will broadcast an MLS Eastern Conference clash between the New York Red Bulls and the Houston Dynamo at 8 p.m. ET.

Additional episodes and participating players of MLS 36 will be announced at a later date.